This list isn’t about which coaches are on the hot seat for their jobs (though you could argue that 4 of the 5 are), but rather about which 5 coaches in the NFL have to make a dramatic statement this season and why. Let’s start off with…
5. Norv Turner, SD
Every year, Norv Turner’s job is said to be in jeopardy. Yet every year, he and GM Smith remain for another mediocre season of disappointment. Most NFL observers have the same general opinion of Turner; Great coordinator, poor head coach. While there is no denying that Turner is a quality human being, he seems to lack the slight to moderate amount of crazy required by successful coaches. The most unfortunate thing about his tenure with the Chargers is that he has instituted a general sense of hopelessness among the fan base. Ask any Chargers fan if the team will ever win a Super Bowl with Turner, and you’ll get the same exact answer every single time. All it would take is one trip to the Super Bowl, or even a deep playoff run, for all to be forgiven.
4. Mike Shanahan, WAS
Mike Shanahan has long been regarded as an offensive mastermind for his construction of the John Elway led Broncos of the late-90’s. However, since Elway rode into the sunset on the heels of two consecutive Super Bowl victories, Shanny has yet to guide any other team the Big Game. He came close in 2005, but was upset by the Steelers after going 13-3; he has not managed a playoff appearance since. His record between 2006 – 2011 now sits at 35-45. For him to earn a trip to the Hall of Fame and retain his “offensive genius” label, he absolutely needs RG3 and Co. to get at least a wild-card berth in the post-season.
3. Jason Garrett, DAL
It was only a few short years ago that Jason Garrett was the absolute hottest commodity on the coaching market. During a season that saw seven new hires at the head coaching position (over 20% of league franchises), Garret was courted by many a team. However, Jerry Jones was having none of that, and promptly signed him to a contract that would pay him 3 million dollars to serve as an assistant head coach. He was thought to be the coach of the future, and when he took over with the interim label halfway through the 2010 season, he turned around the performance of the team, posting a 5-3 record as head coach during that time. Last year, however, with a stacked roster, the team managed to go only 8-8, failing to make the playoffs in the process. Jones isn’t known for his patience, and should a big name hit the market if the Cowboys fail to make the post-season again, don’t be surprised if Jones shows him the door.
2. Jim Schwartz, DET
Jim Schwartz is by no means in danger of losing his job. In three years as head coach of the Detroit Lions, he has managed to do what almost no one before him could: Turn the Lions into a dangerous team capable of making a deep run in the playoffs. To those that know him and know of him, it is no surprise. Many people still fail to realize the impact he had on the Tennessee Titans of the late-90’s and early 2000’s, as he was responsible for orchestrating one of the leagues more imposing defenses at the time. During his rookie campaign as head coach, the Lions went 2-14. Last year, they went 10-6 and lost to the Saints in the playoffs. However, he is not held in the same esteem as his higher regarded counterparts such as Belichik, or even Sean Payton, due largely to the fact that he has not yet been to the Super Bowl. A deep post-season run in the playoffs would be a call to the league, and as a Mensa member that is an unabashed Pantera fan, he perfectly encapsulates the type of personality necessary for success in today’s NFL.
1. Rex Ryan, NYJ
Within a span of only three years, Rex Ryan has managed to go from lovable trash-talker to overbearing loudmouth. Initially, it was refreshing to see a coach that didn’t limit himself to barely-audible messages of disdain a la Belichik, nor stock quotes like most other coaches in the league. He was exuberant, and even affable as he riled up his troops to do battle every week. But along the way, something happened. He lost control of his locker room, and players began to turn on each other, routinely throwing one another under the bus, as Rex often did with Mark “Sanchize” Sanchez. The team began to resemble that of a gang, except that they didn’t have each other’s back. Despite this, Rex continued his arrogant and cocky ways, and the Jets franchise plummeted, going from feared to merely accounted for. Rex has since backed off the talk a bit, especially in light of his embarrassing proclamation that the Jets would win the Super Bowl in 2011-2012, but another mediocre season might have ownership looking in another direction.
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